The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said foreign donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, shoe covers, gloves, head covers and gowns are exempt from having to secure Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.
According to FDA, BOC said other medical device establishments that use face masks in the performance of their duties and are strictly for company use are allowed to make direct importation without any certification from the FDA.
As a general rule, importers of all products are required to obtain appropriate marketing authorization from the FDA in the form of either a Certificate of Product Notification or Certificate of Product Registration (CPN/CPR), depending on the health risk of their products prior to customs release.
But BOC said the exemptions are being made in consideration of efforts to stop the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Philippines.
Importations of PPEs for commercial purposes will be exempt from presentation of a CPN/CPR prior to customs release provided importers are able to provide a copy of the License to Operate and proof of application for product notification with the FDA.
BOC and FDA have assured that both agencies are prioritizing the expeditious facilitation of PPEs for donation and commercial purposes, the customs bureau said.
Aside from this, BOC earlier said it is already allowing provisional goods declaration for imported donations.
21 comments
Sir
Good Day!
I would to make an inquiry pertaining to the importation of PPEs nowadays. I am not a holder of any LTO for importation duly issued by your office. i am planning to import PPEs for my personal, duty work and family use this coming days. Do I need to apply this product of notification with your office? How and where do i need to transact?
looking for your positive response on this matter.
thank you and keep safe!
Kindly note there is a one-stop shop for imports of PPEs, etc. But the imports are only for commercial purposes so that does not apply to you.
May we suggest you order online since your requirements are not commercial in nature?
In case you’re interested, here is our story on one-stop shop for commercial imports.
https://www.portcalls.com/one-stop-shop-allows-online-application-for-covid-19-critical-goods/
Maybe you can reach out to those involved in the hotline and verify our response. Thanks.
Hello, I was about to open an import export company but was stopped by the ECQ. I want to import surgical mask, I have supplier,for commercial use. Is the customs completly free for surgical mask now how is there any taxes I still need to pay upon receiving the items in Manila airport? Unfortunatly I guess I will have to use an other company and share the profit for usimg their import licence.
Importation of PPEs is duty-free.
https://www.portcalls.com/one-stop-shop-allows-online-application-for-covid-19-critical-goods/
Hi
What if i import a non medical mask like a reusbale cotton mask from
China, 10,000pcs only what do i need to clear custom clearance in airport, its air freight shipment
Please note PortCalls is not an affiliate of the Bureau of Customs. Please inquire with them directly at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph
Hi, this was very informative. However i just wanted to proper understand in importing or ordering surgical masks in bulk.
I was thinking to order 500pcs of surgical masks for personal use. Will there be any problems once i order it? Do i need any certificates and licenses for that? – planning to order from alibaba.
Thank you in advance
500 pieces is already considered commercial quantity. You might have a problem there.
Good Day Sir,
I’m planning to import face masks for business purposes, may I ask if there are any clearance needed by the BOC? Your reply is kindly appreciated. Thank you.
Please note PortCalls is not an affiliate of the Bureau of Customs. Please inquire with them directly at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph
Good day! We would like to import surgical mask for distribution.We need to have
Kindly complete your question. Thanks.
But FYI, please note PortCalls is not an affiliate of the Bureau of Customs. It might be better to inquire with them directly at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph. Thanks.
We would like to renew oir Import license which expire last year.What is the
process for renwal and what docs are needed?Thanks
Please note PortCalls is not an affiliate of the Bureau of Customs. Please inquire with them directly at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph
Hi may I ask if ever I will try to import face shield from overseas,do I need to present LTO?im a small time online seller only. I will order 70kg only
Please note PortCalls is not affiliated with the Bureau of Customs. We are a newspaper for the cargo transport industry. Please contact BOC directly at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph. Thanks.
Hello there Lisa. Thank you for your good work.
I would like to ask if it’s allowed to import gloves, Face-mask and faceshield?
Thank you again
Thanks, Thierry. Yes, imports of commodities you asked about are allowed. If you wait for the Bayanihan 2 Law to be signed by our President (which should be very, very soon), those commodities may be imported tax-free.
May I also inquire if the only requirement for the said business purposes import of face shields, face mask and etc will require from FDA a Letter to Operate and accreditation from BOC?
Please read story carefully. The answer to your question is there. Thanks.
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